Changing from F1 to F2, and then Back from F2 to F1

I am a first year international PhD student in US having F1 status. Previous year, my husband and me got admitted to two different universities in NY and Chicago for Fall 2014. We were not able to get admission in the same city, so we lived far way for one semester. Now, I have gotten admission from a university in Chicago for Fall 2015. My question is regarding the spring semester that is the gap between my studies in NY and Chicago.

I have two possibilities, continuing my education for spring semester in NY to keep my F1 status or quitting my study and changing my status to F2 for one semester and then again changing it to F1 for Fall 2015 semester. On the other side, my previous visa was just a single entry visa and it has been expired. I plan to come back to my country to visit my family in the summer 2015. So, anyway I should request for the visa again in the summer.
I want to know what is your recommendation for my case. Does it make my case simpler if I keep my F1 status while referring to US consulate? Is there any difference between F1 and F2 status while requesting for a new visa? Is it a problem to change from F1 to F2 and then again from F2 to F1

Thanks for your help,
Sara

I know several friends who converted from F2 to F1 status within the US, and the process wasn't too onerous or problematic, though it does cost a not unsubstantial amount to switch. Thing is, it's very likely that keeping F1 status would have no different of an impact on you applying for an F1 visa at a consulate than a switch to F2 would; normally, people who get single-entry visas aren't eligible for an expedited or otherwise simpler process to "renew" the visa. So I don't see a potential difference arising.

I think the biggest problem you are going to have is the paperwork keeping up with your desired changes.

Thank you very much for your answers. Is there anyone else here to know more about my issue?